The row between Kurten and the national team started in Lucerne when, she claims, Splaine promised her a place but having travelled to the Swiss event, Kurten was left as fifth man. Splaine is also said to have questioned the quality of Quibell, Kurten's lead horse that is rated third in the world.

"In the long term, I think the only resolution is they stop treating their riders like dirt, " said Kurten. "Perhaps the people who are in the jobs at the moment just don't understand what's going on. . .

But people here [in Germany] can't believe it. I've even had the organisers of the World Championships ringing me up saying your country must be completely mad."

Splaine said he'd had enough of the matter and refused to comment further.